K of C Tootsie Roll Drive Nets $8,235 For Developmentally Disabled

By Mike Perleberg (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – A whole lot of Tootsie Rolls were handed out by Knights of Columbus members in exchange for a little kindness in May. The Knights of Columbus William J. Kreis Council 1231, of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Lawrenceburg, raised $8,235.27 during their annual Tootsie Roll Drive held May 12 and 13, which was officially proclaimed as Tootsie Roll Drive Weekend in the cities of Lawrenceburg and Greendale. “By any objective standard, this absolutely reflects a magnanimous local community and region with a great heart. Deepest and most heartfelt thanks to everybody,” said campaign chairman Jim Hamill. The yearly fundraiser has brought in $241,500 since 1978. Knights stood outside storefronts accepting donations from citizens, who were given Tootsie Rolls in exchange for donating a few dollars or their spare change. The organization thanks the businesses who allowed the Knights to station there: Ameristop Food Mart, CVS Pharmacy, Dollar General, In & Out Mart/VP Racing Fuels, Kroger, Orscheln Farm & Home, Whitey’s Liquor Store, Whitey’s Package Store, and Whitey’s Wine & Liquor Company. “The collection at each of these locations is vitally important to the overall success of this endeavor,” Hamill said. An appeal was also made to local businesses and professionals. They donated a total of $1,237. The Knights extend thanks to Deb Alvey, Centers for Foot & Ankle Care, Community Spirit Credit Union, Law Office of Martin De Julia, Furfect Kutz, Haag Ford, Michael J. Hollenbeck Attorney at Law, Home Furniture, Mike Kennedy, Knigga’s Barber Shop, Miller Flannery Law, Christine B. & Stephen B. Mueller, Oyler Family Dentistry, Pinnacle Advisory Group, Drs. Dennis & Don Richter, Robinson & Sons Trucking, Seitz Insurance Agency, Sequoia Construction of Indiana, Signarama, Trade & Industrial Supply, United Community Bank, Walter & Sylvia Wilson, and Judi & Bill Yelton. Hamill credited the success of the Tootsie Roll Drive to the “positively dynamic efforts of the council membership, wives, and youths in achieving such an outstanding total.” The money raised will be split among southeastern Indiana organizations aiding developmentally disabled citizens. New Horizons Rehabilitation and R-O-D Special Education Cooperative in Sunman will each receive $2,245.09. R-O-D Special Olympics will get $1,545.09. ARC of Dearborn County receives $1,000. R-O-D Special Olympics Polar Plung and Fire Truck Pool will receive $500 and $200, respectively. The Batesville Deanery Special Adult Religious Education Program will get $500.